Challenge

Ineffective storage systems for Defence ribbons reduced efficiency and caused confusion among staff.

Solution

Jessica Mould introduced custom wooden ribbon holders and clear visual labelling to simplify storage and ordering.

Impact

The new system improved staff productivity, sped up order fulfilment, and made training easier across 30 NCSS locations.

On our National Clothing Store Services (NCSS) contract, the medal mounting process is one of the most significant tasks. Medals honour the achievements of Defence personnel, worn proudly on uniforms.

All medals have specific colours and order in which they need to be mounted, and it is a job Ventia’s team are proud to deliver for Defence members. The team at RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force) Base Amberley are responsible for the distribution of ribbons to the 31 NCSS locations across Australia. With over 150 different types of ribbons that need efficient storage and organisation, RAAF Base Amberley team member Jessica Mould devised and implemented an improved process to help make it easier for those joining the team and to save time delivering medal mounting supplies to our sites.

The two key solutions that Jess introduced into processes were:

  • Wooden Ribbon Holders: Jess created wooden holders for bulk ribbons, making them easy to measure and cut. Each holder was labelled for quick identification (e.g., Australian ribbons, overseas ribbons) and featured swing tags (used for identifying country of location) for convenience. She crafted three holders tailored to perfectly fit the shelf space.
  • Labelling and Visual aids: Jess labelled medal mounting supplies with pictures, providing clear identification of each item. She also added images to the ribbon ordering site, allowing staff to visually confirm the ribbons they were requesting.

These enhancements resulted in a streamlined system that is significantly easier to use and train staff on. The organised setup allows for quick access and efficient processing of ribbon and medal orders. Staff no longer need to search through unlabelled containers, as everything is clearly marked and easily accessible.

Jessica’s solution simplified the process, saved time, and enhanced overall staff productivity. This case study highlights the positive impact of thoughtful, practical solutions in how we deliver for Defence.

Julie Byrne, Site Leader at Amberley, praised the improvements, saying:

Under Jessica’s initiative she has created a simpler process which allows any person, even one with no medal mounting experience, to fulfill orders with ease.